[ad_1]
In a quiet residential neighborhood in San Francisco, a homeless man’s controversial signs have ignited a wave of anger and concern among residents and parents.
The man, identified as Joseph Adam Moore, 46, has placed two signs outside his tent residence that read “Free fentanyl 4 new users” and “Meth for stolen items.”
The signs, which were placed nearby a local school, shocked and angered many in the community.
Despite the outrage, Moore defended his decision to display the signs.
“It’s not a joke. It’s happening, right? Why can’t I do it? Is this sacred ground?”
Moore’s nonchalant approach to advertising illicit drugs has left residents and parents deeply disturbed.
In addition to the controversial signs, Moore revealed that he is a registered sex offender, with court records from Santa Cruz County showing a 1997 conviction for unlawful sex with a minor. He declined to confirm whether he carried illicit drugs.
Moore’s tent has become a gathering spot for up to six other individuals, who have turned the area into a party-like atmosphere. Residents have reported the presence of barbecues, a beach umbrella and even a dune buggy.
Nathaniel Weiner, a concerned parent, expressed his dismay at the situation.
“It’s horrible. Some of these people brought barbecues, a beach umbrella and even a dune buggy that sat on the pavement, creating a Burning Man-style party in a quiet residential neighborhood where people are just trying to live their lives,” Weiner said.
Peter Marlow, the executive director for communications and media relations at the Archdiocese of San Francisco, initially thought the signs were a social experiment.
Although Marlow called for compassion and support for the homeless, he also said something needed to be done to fix the “outrageous” situation.
“We want to have compassion,” Marlow explained. “We want to pray for these homeless people and do what we can. But this is ridiculous. The parents are complaining. The students are seeing this. It’s outrageous.”
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and Supervisor Connie Chan, who represents constituents in the Richmond District, have not responded to requests for comment.
Adam Moore, the homeless man at the center of the controversy, has been living near a local Catholic grade school for over two years.
According to reports, an altercation occurred when a parent from the school confronted Moore after the signs were reported, which led to Moore being issued a misdemeanor battery citation.
Moore also filed a complaint of assault against the parent.
The following day, Moore had another run in with the law after he was arrested for a probation violation.
However, due to a medical complaint, he was transported to a hospital, leading to a delay in pursuing the probation violation. Moore was released from custody that night.
In a conversation with investigative reporter Dan Noyes, Moore explained that he was merely passing on drugs that others gave him in exchange for blankets and supplies.
“I’ve been homeless in San Francisco for basically 26 years,” Moore said.
Despite being a registered sex offender, Moore does not fall under the category of “high-risk” offenders, allowing him to remain within proximity of the school.
While he claims innocence regarding his past convictions, his presence in the neighborhood remains a source of distress for many.
Local law enforcement even attempted an undercover sting operation to catch Moore with drugs, but it was unsuccessful. However, they did enforce rules against camping on sidewalks, resulting in Moore being asked to move.
Moore declined offers of shelter, adding, “I will never voluntarily incarcerate myself.”
Authorities have since confiscated some of his belongings and encouraged him to relocate willingly, hoping to relieve local residents.
[ad_2]
